Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Nov 10, 2011 12:12 am Hi all, What would be better to install in the kitchen : Essa Stone or Freestyle? What is the price difference between the two (which one is more expensive)? Are there any major advantages of one over the other? Thanks Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 2Nov 10, 2011 12:22 am The difference is that Essastone has actual stone pieces in it, Freestyle is completely man-made resin. I'm not too sure which is more hardwearing, but I personally like the look of Essastone better, it's not as "plasticy". Many people complain that Freestyle discolours due to the man-made side of it, so if you get a lighter colour be prepared to give it the occasional scrub. In general, Freestyle is usually cheaper, but this will depend on the builder you're using, as there are a number of builders that can offer Essastone cheaper than Freestyle just because of the amount they use. Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 3Nov 10, 2011 10:15 am What would be the price difference? Which one is more expensive? Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 4Nov 10, 2011 9:09 pm It really depends on your builder/cabinetmaker, it varies between them all. The previous builder I worked for could do Freestyle cheaper than Essastone, the current builder I work for does Essastone cheaper than Freestyle. It all comes down to the cabinetmaker they use. The largest cabinetmaker in WA does not install Freestyle, so if you have a builder that only uses that cabinetmaker the builder will need to arrange another cabinetmaker to do Freestyle for you, and that will of course cost more as they will be using a cabinetmaker for a one-off job so they won't get their bulk buying discount. However if the builder uses a cabinetmaker that can install both products, you would most likely find that Freestyle will be cheaper. Try asking your builder/installer, they will be able to give you a good idea Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 5Nov 10, 2011 9:55 pm The builder we are looking at is offering freestyle as standard. Just wondering if it will be better for us to change it to essa stone? What will be more durable and scratch resistant: essa stone or freestyle? Thanks for your input. Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 6Nov 11, 2011 12:11 pm Hi there, we are looking at getting Freestyle bench tops in our kitchen, Essa Stone is more durable and scratch resistant but the beauty of Freestyle is that it comes in long lengths so reduces joins and where there is a join it isnt as visible as it is on stone. Also, I've been told that if the surface gets scratched it can be buffed or sanded out and you can get it different edges. Some of the Freestyle colours look just like stone too. Our island bench is about 3.6m so this ruled out stone unfortunately as we wouldve had a very visible join in the middle! but Freestyle is the next best thing in my opinion, its about the same price though, so if your kitchen allows stones probably the better option, hope this helps Re: Essa Stone or Freestyle 7Apr 27, 2012 1:28 am It's been a while... Has anyone managed to install Freestyle Laminex benchtops to share some of their feedback, thoughts and experience? Dear Members I have to decide the Facade column size. My custom builder standard is 350mm with rendering, but i asked for 470mm plus stone or tiles and yet to get… 0 4289 Hi, planning on using the attached stone pieces in my bathroom. I want to remove stains and gloss seal. Can I get some advice on best way to remove stains and best… 0 4603 Re my second point – yes exactly. And often it may take additional time if the manufacturer recommends no more than X meters… 3 3752 |